Hosea 13:1 kjv
When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
Hosea 13:1 nkjv
When Ephraim spoke, trembling, He exalted himself in Israel; But when he offended through Baal worship, he died.
Hosea 13:1 niv
When Ephraim spoke, people trembled; he was exalted in Israel. But he became guilty of Baal worship and died.
Hosea 13:1 esv
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel, but he incurred guilt through Baal and died.
Hosea 13:1 nlt
When the tribe of Ephraim spoke,
the people shook with fear,
for that tribe was important in Israel.
But the people of Ephraim sinned by worshiping Baal
and thus sealed their destruction.
Hosea 13 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Hosea 13:1 | When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. | Foundation of rebellion |
| Hosea 13:2 | And now they sin more and more, and make for themselves a molten image... | Idolatry and sin |
| Hosea 4:6 | My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. | Lack of discernment |
| Psalm 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked... | Ungodly counsel |
| Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know... | Ignorance of God |
| Isaiah 29:14 | Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people... | God's sovereign judgment |
| Jeremiah 8:8 | "How can you say, 'We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us'?" | False wisdom |
| Jeremiah 10:14 | Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols... | Shame of idols |
| Jeremiah 23:32 | "Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams..." | False prophecy |
| John 15:24 | If I had not done among them the works that no one else has done, they would not have sin... | Rejection of God's works |
| Romans 1:21 | For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God... | Suppressed truth |
| Romans 2:14 | For when Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves... | Moral law within |
| 1 Corinthians 1:20 | Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? | Foolishness of worldly wisdom |
| Galatians 4:22 | For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a servant and one by a free woman. | Abrahamic lineage |
| Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. | Hypocrisy |
| Revelation 3:17 | For you say, ‘I am rich, and have gained wealth and do not need anything,’ but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. | Spiritual poverty |
Hosea 13 verses
Hosea 13 1 Meaning
When Israel spoke, the trembling was upon them. Through the speaking of their king and rulers, a connection to Ephraim (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) was established. This speech signified an act of self-exaltation and rebellion against God. The phrase "Ephraim is a foolish thing, and without knowledge" describes their spiritual immaturity and lack of discernment concerning God's will and their relationship with Him. Their actions and words revealed a deep-seated ignorance of God’s true nature and their dependence upon Him.
Hosea 13 1 Context
Hosea 13:1 marks the beginning of a section in Hosea that directly addresses the sin and impending judgment of the northern kingdom of Israel, primarily focusing on Ephraim. This chapter follows the previous discussion on God's unfailing love despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, particularly their entanglement with Baal worship and idolatry. Verse 1 specifically highlights the arrogance and spiritual blindness that characterized the Ephraimites. Their exultation in their own strength and their allegiance to false deities and kings led to a perversion of true worship and national identity. This verse sets the stage for a severe condemnation of their self-deception and lack of understanding of God's covenant.
Hosea 13 1 Word analysis
When (וּבְ): The conjunction "and" or "when." Indicates the commencement of a description of a state or action.
Ephraim (אֶפְרָיִם - Ephrayim): Refers to the most prominent tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, often used as a synecdoche for the entire kingdom. Signifies their identity as God's covenant people.
spoke (דִּבֶּר - dibber): The Hiphil (causative) perfect of dabar, meaning "to speak." Here, it implies not just speaking but perhaps "commanded" or "pronounced," suggesting authoritative pronouncements.
there was trembling (וּרְעָלָה - u-re`alah): Literally "and a trembling." Suggests fear, dread, or possibly awe resulting from their words or actions. This could be interpreted as the trembling of the fearful, or the trembling that precedes divine judgment.
he was exalted (וַיְּגָדֵל - va-yəgadēl): The Hiphil (causative) perfect of gadol, meaning "to make great" or "to magnify." It signifies elevation, pride, and self-aggrandizement.
in Israel (בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל - bəYisra'el): Places the exaltation within the context of the nation of Israel, underscoring that their pride was manifested within their national life and identity.
words of Ephraim's speech: Their declarations and pronouncements.
trembling as a result of speech/action: The fearful consequence of their pronouncements.
exaltation within the nation: Their elevation and boasting as Israel.
Hosea 13 1 Bonus section
The word "dibber" (spoke) in the Hiphil conjugation can also imply speaking to establish or bring about something. In this context, Ephraim's pronouncements and actions were effectively establishing their own way, rather than submitting to God's word. The "trembling" mentioned could also foreshadow the divine judgment that would shake them. Their "exaltation in Israel" speaks to the corruption within their national leadership and religious institutions, where human pride superseded divine authority. This verse is a stark reminder of the dangers of spiritual arrogance and the critical importance of divine wisdom.
Hosea 13 1 Commentary
Hosea declares that Ephraim's speaking led to terror and exaltation. This isn't just ordinary speech; it refers to the pronouncements of their leaders, kings, and perhaps their religious pronouncements which elevated themselves and their idols. Their pride and self-reliance led them to seek greatness apart from God, resulting in a fearful instability and ultimate ruin. They acted as if they were great and wise, but their pronouncements were devoid of true understanding, alienating them from God and leading to their downfall.